Herzi Halevi: Hamas Was Not the Priority Before October 7
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Original source:ynet.co.il
Key Takeaways
- Strategic focus was misaligned, prioritizing Iran and Hezbollah over Hamas.
- Halevi denied any internal betrayal, citing a failure of conception.
- Military pressure is defended as essential for hostage recovery.
- Acknowledged tragic collateral damage to hostages during operations.
In a candid discussion in New York, former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi reflected on the intelligence and strategic lapses that preceded the October 7 conflict. He explained that the defense establishment had operated under the assumption that Hamas sought to avoid a full-scale war, prioritizing threats from Iran and Hezbollah instead. Halevi categorically denied any allegations of treason, framing the event as a profound failure of assessment.
Addressing the ongoing hostage crisis, Halevi acknowledged the painful reality that some hostages were killed by IDF fire. However, he maintained that sustained military pressure remains the only viable path to securing the release of those still held in captivity. He urged for a rigorous examination of the past to ensure such strategic misjudgments are not repeated.
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